Update On This Year’s Rule 5 Picks

Many Rule 5 picks ultimately return to their original organizations, as it's not easy to keep inexperienced players in the Major Leagues all season long. So far, 2011 is no exception; 8 of the 19 players selected in the Major League phase of last offseason's Rule 5 draft are back where they started. Here are updates on the draftees, four weeks into the season:

On Active Rosters (6)

Pedro Beato of the Mets has yet to allow an earned run in 14 innings of relief. The most impressive Rule 5 pick of the year has allowed 7 hits and 3 walks, striking out 8.

Brian Broderick of the Nationals has allowed 2 walks and 9 hits in 8 1/3 innings with a single strikeout. He'll have to pitch better to deserve a roster spot all season long.

Another reliever, Aneury Rodriguez of the Astros, has allowed 9 hits and 4 walks in 8 innings, striking out 7.

Nathan Adcock of the Royals has allowed 10 hits and 3 walks in 10 innings with 4 strikeouts for a 2.70 ERA.

D'Backs manager Kirk Gibson has used Joe Paterson strategically in his 11 appearances; 16 of the 20 batters who have faced the the southpaw have been left-handed. The results are good: 0 earned runs and 5 strikeouts in 4 2/3 innings with 2 hits and 3 walks allowed.

Phillies utility player Michael Martinez has only batted 17 times, but his .423 OPS is not impressive. The switch-hitter has played second, short and center and will have to hit more to keep his roster spot.

Elvin Ramirez(Nationals) and Mason Tobin (Rangers) are on the 60-day DL. As Adam Rubin points out at ESPNNewYork.com, they have to spend 90 non-September days on the active roster to become official property of their new teams. Otherwise, their Rule 5 status carries forward until the players spend 90 non-September days on the active roster.

Pedro Beato is doing a fine job so far, and being picked up off the Rule 5 “heap” and plunked onto the team you grew up rooting for like that must be like something from a dream (…or a nightmare at other times…considering it’s the Mets…). Hopefully he can stick.